Nearly 300 gathered in Las Vegas for the 2025 Synod Assembly, celebrating new congregations, electing leaders including Vice President Mark Myers, and hearing inspiring messages from Bishop Hutterer and David Scherer. Read more for key decisions, ministry updates, and highlights from this year’s theme: Build Up the Body.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop travels for work and vacation while wrapping up the final details from our 2025 Synod Assembly. Thanks to all of you who made our gathering such a joyful success.
Read MoreIn honor of Juneteenth, the Office of the Bishop is closed today, June 19, 2025. We mark this federal holiday with reverence, commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. and recommitting ourselves to racial justice. Join us in a prayer for liberation and healing.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. John Groh, who celebrates 59 years on June 19.
Rev. Norbert Schroeder, who celebrates 65 years on June 19.
In her deeply personal reflection, Elise Seyfried invites us to rediscover our shared humanity through a simple, sacred act: writing a letter to a stranger. Drawing on Lutheran theology and real-life encounters, she challenges us to move past fear and isolation toward connection, empathy, and prayer. Click here to read her full essay on Living Lutheran.
Read MoreTechnicolor Ministries is transforming the Southwestern Texas Synod by creating faithful, affirming spaces where LGBTQIA+ people are fully welcomed as God created them. Launched by Keats Miles-Wallace with the support of Bishop Sue Briner, this grassroots effort offers campouts, congregation visits, and community for those too often marginalized in church.
The ministry models the radical inclusivity of Christ, affirming that no one should have to choose between their identity and their faith. Click here to read the full story from Living Lutheran.
Read MoreOn May 30, the Rev. Constanze Hagmaier was reelected on the first ballot to a new term as bishop of the South Dakota Synod. She has served since 2019. Learn more about her ministry: click here.
Read MoreThe Rev. Benjamin K. Quanbeck of Billings was elected May 31 as bishop of the Montana Synod. He begins his six-year term on Sept. 1 and will be installed Sept. 20. Read the full election story: click here.
Read MoreRev. Christa M. Compton was elected June 7 as bishop of the New Jersey Synod. She begins Sept. 1 and will be installed Aug. 23. Learn more about her leadership journey: click here.
Read MoreThe Rev. Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt was reelected on the first ballot June 6 to a third term as bishop of the Southern Ohio Synod. She has served since 2013. Full details here: click here.
Read MoreThe Rev. Philip C. Hirsch, former ELCA executive, was elected bishop of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod on June 7. He begins Sept. 1 and will be installed Nov. 9. Read the full story: click here.
Read MoreOn June 7, the Rev. Donna J. Simon was elected bishop of the Central States Synod after five ballots. Her installation is set for Sept. 28 following her Sept. 1 start. Read more about her background and vision: click here.
Read MoreRev. Stephen R. Herr of Gettysburg was elected June 7 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod. He will take office Sept. 1 with installation set for Oct. 25 in Hanover, Pa. Click here for more.
Read MoreThe Rev. Melissa L. Stoller was elected June 13 as bishop of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod. A longtime leader in mission and ministry, she will take office Sept. 1 and be installed Oct. 18 in Pittsburgh. Click here to read the full announcement: click here
Read MoreA new report from ELCA Disability Ministries highlights how congregations across the country are expanding access and welcome to people with disabilities—and where challenges remain. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 10 churches, the report outlines successes, barriers, and recommendations for a more inclusive church. This is a vital read for leaders seeking to reflect God’s radical welcome in real, practical ways. Click here for more.
Read MoreJune 17 marks the 10th anniversary of the murder of the Emanuel Nine—nine Black disciples gathered for Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. The ELCA commemorates this day as a time of repentance and renewed commitment to racial justice. Resources are available for use in worship, study, and personal reflection. Click here to explore materials and read the full remembrance from Presiding Bishop Eaton.
Read MoreIn a major ecumenical step, a provisional update to the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) has been approved to address anti-Jewish interpretations in Christian worship. The changes, which will be tested over a three-year period beginning Advent 2025, reconsider how Passion narratives and Easter readings are proclaimed—emphasizing readings from the Hebrew Scriptures and delaying Acts readings until after Pentecost. The ELCA encourages congregations to engage these updates thoughtfully and offer feedback. To read the full announcement and access resources, click here.
Read MoreThe ELCA Disability Ministries team has released new worship resources for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or print-disabled. Free tools such as refreshable Braille eReaders, talking-book players, and access to the Evangelical Lutheran Worship in electronic Braille and large-print formats are now available. Listen to an insightful interview with Braille proofreader Terry Gorman, and explore accessible editions of the Bible and Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Click here to read the full article and access the full list of resources.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Mark Rossman, Living Water, Scottsdale, who celebrates 37 years on June 18.
Rev. Paul Hansen, who celebrates 36 years on June 18.
Rev. Glen Stadler, who celebrates 47 years on June 18.
Rev. Raymond Christenson, who celebrates 57 years on June 18.
